Rapid Action Force and Fire and Rescue Services to Be Effectively Deployed for Emergencies Ahead of Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season — Know More
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| Kerala Government Secretariat |
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said that extensive police arrangements will be put in place to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims during the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by the minister at the Secretariat to review police preparations for the pilgrimage.
To regulate crowd movement, pilgrims will be encouraged to make maximum use of the Virtual Queue system. The Kerala State Police Chief will directly communicate this message to the police chiefs of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Awareness campaigns will be carried out through press releases and social media in regional languages, while signboards and public announcement systems will be installed at key locations.
The Home Minister directed police personnel on duty to maintain a friendly and empathetic approach towards pilgrims. The services of the Rapid Action Force and Fire and Rescue Services will be effectively deployed to deal with emergencies. Mock tests will also be conducted to ensure that fire hydrants along key routes, including Marakootam, remain operational. Security arrangements and police services at Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkal will be closely coordinated.
Parking facilities at Nilakkal and Chakupalam will also be streamlined to improve pilgrim travel. At Chakupalam, soil will be removed to create additional parking space for around 400–500 vehicles. In coordination with the Motor Vehicles Department, the fitness and speed of vehicles carrying pilgrims will be strictly monitored.
CCTV surveillance at Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkal will be strengthened and linked to police control rooms. Special security arrangements will be provided at Kunnar Dam, the water tank at Pandithavalam, LPG cylinder storage facilities and explosive storage areas. Adequate lighting will also be ensured at necessary locations.
Police verification will be made mandatory for people working in commercial establishments at Sannidhanam and Pampa. They will also be required to carry identity cards. The disposal of clothes in the Pampa River will be strictly prevented.
The minister also directed authorities to ensure quality food, hygienic accommodation and drinking water for police personnel deployed for the pilgrimage. Repairs to police camps and toilets must be completed before November 1.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Minhaj Alam, State Police Chief Ravada Azad Chandra Sekhar, Sabarimala Chief Police Coordinator P. Vijayan and other senior officials attended the meeting.